SAFEGUARDING POLICY

1. Introduction

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals participating in activities at the club.

This includes, in particular, children, young people and vulnerable adults who take part in training sessions, competitions and other activities organised by Grapple Zone.

This Safeguarding Policy outlines the principles and procedures that the Company follows to protect individuals from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation, and to ensure that all participants are able to train in a safe and respectful environment.

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone involved in the club, including staff, coaches, volunteers, members, parents and visitors.

2. Policy Statement

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who participate in activities at the club.

We believe that every individual has the right to participate in sport and physical activity in an environment that is safe, respectful and free from abuse or harm.

In order to uphold these principles, Grapple Zone LDN Ltd will:

  • Promote the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

  • Take reasonable steps to protect individuals from harm, abuse or exploitation.

  • Ensure that safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

  • Maintain a culture of respect, inclusivity and responsibility within the club.

  • Ensure that all staff and coaches understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

All individuals involved with Grapple Zone are expected to behave in a manner consistent with this policy.

3. Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with relevant UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including but not limited to:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

  • Sexual Offences Act 2003

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (Statutory Guidance)

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd also follows recognised safeguarding practices within the sports and physical activity sector.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) responsible for safeguarding matters.

Designated Safeguarding Officer:
Courtney Anderson

The responsibilities of the DSO include:

  • Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

  • Receiving and responding to safeguarding disclosures or reports.

  • Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed.

  • Maintaining confidential safeguarding records.

  • Liaising with appropriate authorities where necessary.

  • Ensuring appropriate DBS checks are completed for staff and coaches working with children.

5. Recruitment and Vetting

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd is committed to ensuring that individuals working with children or vulnerable adults are suitable for their roles.

Where appropriate, staff and coaches working with children may be required to:

  • Complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

  • Provide proof of identity and address

  • Provide references where required

The club reserves the right to refuse or terminate engagement where safeguarding concerns arise.

6. Code of Conduct

All coaches, staff, volunteers, members and visitors must behave in a respectful and professional manner at all times.

In particular:

  • Coaches must maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students.

  • Physical contact during instruction must always be appropriate and necessary for coaching purposes.

  • Bullying, harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

  • Participants must respect the safety, dignity and wellbeing of others.

Any behaviour that undermines the safety or integrity of the club environment may result in disciplinary action.

7. Changing Rooms and Supervision of Children

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd is committed to ensuring that changing facilities are used safely and appropriately.

To support safeguarding and supervision, the following guidelines apply:

  1. Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using the changing rooms.

  2. Children should use the changing room corresponding to the supervising parent or guardian, regardless of the child’s gender.

  3. This approach ensures that young children are not left unsupervised in shared changing areas.

  4. Children aged 7 years and above should begin using the appropriate changing room independently, unless supervision is required due to individual needs.

  5. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children and ensuring respectful behaviour within changing areas.

  6. For individuals who may prefer additional privacy, a private toilet facility is available and may be used as an alternative space for changing.

  7. Any safeguarding concerns or inappropriate behaviour in changing areas should be reported immediately to a member of staff or the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

8. Photography and Video

From time to time photographs or videos may be taken during training sessions, events or competitions for promotional purposes.

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd will take reasonable steps to ensure that:

  • Images are used responsibly and respectfully.

  • Parents or guardians have provided consent where required.

  • Images are not used in a manner that may compromise the safety or dignity of participants.

Individuals who do not wish to appear in photographs or videos should inform staff.

9. Social Media and Communication

Coaches and staff must maintain appropriate professional boundaries when communicating with children or young people.

In particular:

  • Communication with minors should take place through appropriate channels involving parents where possible.

  • Coaches should not engage in private or inappropriate communication with minors through personal social media accounts.

10. Private Coaching Sessions

Private coaching sessions involving children should be arranged in a transparent manner and should take place at the club premises where possible.

Parents or guardians should be aware of such sessions and the club may require that sessions take place in visible or supervised areas.

11. Responding to Concerns

If any individual involved with Grapple Zone LDN Ltd has a concern regarding the safety or welfare of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, the concern must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

All concerns will be handled in a confidential, sensitive and non-judgmental manner.

Where appropriate, concerns may be referred to relevant safeguarding authorities.

12. Record Keeping

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd maintains accurate and secure records relating to safeguarding concerns or incidents.

Records will be:

  • Kept confidential

  • Stored securely

  • Maintained in accordance with data protection legislation

13. Training and Awareness

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd is committed to ensuring that staff, coaches and volunteers are aware of safeguarding responsibilities.

Safeguarding training may include:

  • Recognising signs of abuse or neglect

  • Responding appropriately to concerns

  • Maintaining professional boundaries

  • Understanding safeguarding procedures

14. Review and Monitoring

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Grapple Zone LDN Ltd will monitor the implementation of this policy and seek feedback from staff, coaches and members to continually improve safeguarding practices.

15. Communication of Policy

This Safeguarding Policy will be made available to staff, coaches, members and parents.

It will be accessible:

  • On the Grapple Zone website

  • At the club premises

  • Upon request

Relevant safeguarding contact information will also be made available.

Policy Last Updated: March 2026